Itchy Bumps on Elbows: 11 Causes and 22 Remedies

Itchy Bumps on Elbows can irritate us a lot and make us feel uncomfortable. Let’s explore its causes and treatments.

Bumps, pimples, and itching on the skin are some of the problems associated with the skin. There are various causes associated with these skin problems. Itchy bumps on elbows usually develop in the summers and could be white or red in appearance.

There are many home remedies to treat these rashes; however, some of them do require special attention and treatment through a medical practitioner, as these could be the symptoms of some other more prominent disease as well.

Causes of Itchy bumps on elbows:

There are various causes of itchy bumps on elbows. Some of the primary reasons for the itchy bumps include:

Scabies:

Scabies is one of the diseases associated with itchy bumps on elbows. Itchy bumps related to scabies are generally red. Scabies is caused by the bugs that usually reside below the skin. The condition is infectious and spreads with skin contact.

Eczema:

Eczema also has the symptoms of itchy rashes and bumps on the elbow. In case of eczema, the itching and rashes can appear on any body part; however, it is more common on the elbows. There are various causes of eczema which includes:

• Genetics
• Environmental conditions
• Skin sensitivity
• Other skin problems which are accompanied by eczema

Mosquito bites:

Mosquito bites can also lead to itchy bumps. When some harmful mosquito bites, the mosquito releases saliva in the host, the body of the host in turn as an immune system response causes itching reactions on the skin surface.

Usually, the itchy bumps on elbows produced due to this are harmless and get cured on their own in some time.

Poison ivy:

If there is a skin contact with this plant, it can cause itchy bumps on elbows and other body parts. There could be itchy reactions due to this and might require a visit to a dermatologist.

Immune system issues:

Weakening of the body’s immune system could lead to another skin disease called psoriasis. Psoriasis leads to skin rashes and bruises on the skin. Psoriasis requires specialised treatment for cure.

Exposure to the sun:

Exposure to the sun also leads to rashes and bumps on the elbows and other parts of the body. Exposure to UV rays for a long time results in rashes. Initially, they appear as red rashes on the body and slowly turn out to be small red bumps.

Cancer:

Cancer near the elbow might result in signs and symptoms of rashes and bumps. There might be a bump on the elbow.

Bursitis:

It is the inflammation of the elbow. This may occur due to some injury as a result of that the inner lining may burst and cause the accumulation of blood in that part causing bulging and inflammation on that part.

Dry skin:

Elbow itching might also be a result of dry skin; as a result, there could be red bumps on the skin, or it could also be accompanied by cracking of the skin. These occur on the abdomen, elbow, scalp etc. it may lead to the formation of fissures on the skin.

Injury:

A bump on the elbow could also occur due to some injury on the elbow. Bumps can appear on the elbow may show up as swelling or a bump over the skin. Bumps may appear due to improper treatment or a fracture before that has not been treated.

Dermatitis herpetiformis:

This is a hereditary disorder, or it may occur due to the allergy of the person for Gluten. This requires a special treatment which includes dapsone or immunosuppressant drugs.

Treatment of Itchy bumps on elbows:

There are many treatment options include home remedies for curing itchy bumps on elbows. However, the treatment depends on the causes of the disease, and in case the home remedies are not successful, or you are suspicious about the cause, you should visit a medical practitioner.

Some of the home remedies for itchy bumps on elbows used are:

Banana Peel:

Banana peel can be rubbed on the affected area to cure itchiness and cure dryness. These are also effective against the itchy bumps on elbows. Banana peel also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Gluten-free foods:

If you think that there is a gluten allergy, or you are suffering from dermatitis herpetiformis, then you should get a test done to confirm the allergy and also stop taking products including Gluten.

Exfoliate:

Exfoliation of the affected area is also helpful in curing itchy bumps on the elbows. You can exfoliate the area using warm water and then apply a lotion containing lactic acid. This is especially helpful in case of itching due to keratosis pilaris.

Moisturize:

Keep the area moisturised. This is helpful in case of bumps and rashes associated with dry skin associated with eczema. Petroleum jelly base creams are very useful in treating eczema and dryness associated with it.

OTC steroid creams:

Steroid containing creams mainly hydrocortisone is useful in providing relief against itches and rashes. Application of a steroidal cream helps in reducing the bump.

It is essential to read the instructions correctly before using these creams. You should read about the amount of cream and the frequency of the cream usage.

Hypoallergic soap:

Using a hypoallergic soap is also useful in case of bumps associated with eczema or skin allergy. It is also essential to apply a good moisturiser after using a hypoallergic soap.

Baking soda:

Baking soda is very effective against the itchiness and rashes. It can be used by mixing 3 teaspoons full of baking soda with warm or cold water.

The solution can be applied to the affected water for minutes, and the area can be washed afterwards using lukewarm or cold water. The process can be repeated several times on a daily basis.

Olive oil:

Olive oil contains vitamin E and helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised. Olive oil and sugar can be mixed and applied on the affected area after wetting the surface with water. The solution can help in making the area soft, exfoliated and moisturised.

The mixture can be applied daily and followed by applying Olive oil after the application is removed.

Sugar and Sour cream:

Sour cream contains lactic acid, this lactic acid helps in preventing keratin accumulation. The granular sugar and sour cream can be mixed to form a paste, this paste can be applied on the itchy elbows, and the area can be massaged for 4-5 minutes. This process can be repeated daily till the rash disappears.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its benefit in exfoliation. Apple cider vinegar can be massaged to the itchy rash on the elbow by using a cotton ball. The process can be repeated several times.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil helps in moisturising the skin and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Coconut oil can be mixed with brown sugar and honey. This mixture can be applied to the itchy bumps on elbows and can be left for 4-5 minutes. The process can be repeated daily for relief from itchy bumps.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A helps in exfoliation and cell growth. Oil from Vitamin A capsules can be applied to the affected area and massaged. The oil can be left for 20 minutes after the massage and then removed using Luke warm water.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D useful for the treatment of psoriasis. The inclusion of Vitamin D in the food helps in the cure of the skin suffering from Psoriasis.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera gel has a moisturising and a soothing effect. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to the elbows to get relief from the itchiness and providing a soothing effect.

Ice:

Ice pack can also provide a healing effect when applied to the skin. Ice pack helps in curing inflammation and is also helpful in bursitis. An ice pack is helpful to treat various skin disorders.

Jojoba oil:

Jojoba oil contains long chain fatty alcohols, and they help in making the skin hydrated. Jojoba oil can easily penetrate the skin and is found useful for the treatment of eczema.

Honey:

Honey possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey also helps in making the skin surface hydrated. Honey can be topically applied over the skin, or it can also be added to the hot drinks. Honey is also useful in case of skin diseases like eczema.

Tea tree oil:

Tea tree oil can be mixed along with olive oil and can be applied to the skin surface. Tea tree oil possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is also helpful for treatment of eczema and Psoriasis.

Flaxseed oil:

Taking flaxseed oil in the diet helps to keep the skin hydrated and is also useful in the treatment of rashes.

Apart from the above treatment options, there are various food and drinking habits; one should avoid for the faster recovery from itchy bumps on elbows:

Alcohol intake:

One should reduce the alcohol intake as alcohol tends to aggravate the skin disease like psoriasis

Smoking:

Smoking should also be controlled as smoking leads to increased dryness of the skin.

Red meat:

Consumption of red meat also worsens the skin condition especially Psoriasis and thus should be avoided for some time.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dermatitis-herpetiformis